Young patients at Macclesfield Hospital are set to feel more at ease thanks to a generous sponsorship from The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation. The foundation has funded 1,000 copies of 'Leo the Lion', an interactive storybook designed to reassure and distract children in the Emergency Department.
The book follows Leo, a young lion who is apprehensive about visiting the hospital, helping children understand that feeling scared is natural. The A5 booklet also features colouring activities and word puzzles to provide a distraction for young patients while they wait for treatment, particularly during busy winter periods.
Donna Rees, an Emergency Department Sister and Training Facilitator for the Trust, wrote the story. She was inspired by observing children's restlessness and anxiety during treatment waits.
Mandy Ogden, representing The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation, expressed the foundation's honour in sponsoring the book for the Paediatric A&E Department at Macclesfield District General Hospital. She highlighted the foundation's understanding of how stressful hospital environments can be for children and expressed hope that the story would bring comfort and reassurance.
Established in memory of their daughter, Gee, the foundation supports children and young adults in need within their local community. This initiative allows them to support their local hospital and its staff.
The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation was founded by Georgia’s parents, Mandy and Mark, and her brother, Josh, following her passing in 2020. Mandy has worked at the hospital for 17 years, most recently as the Endoscopy Treatment Unit Administrator in Gastroenterology.
Previously, the foundation has supported Macclesfield Hospital with donations for patient activities, toys, and equipment, and funded a mural in the Maternity Ward. This latest book contribution brings their total support for the hospital to over £20,000.
Donna Rees, who has over 25 years of service with the Trust, conveyed her heartfelt thanks to the foundation for sponsoring the 'Leo the Lion' books. She emphasised how Leo's story aims to ease children's fears during emergency department visits, and that the foundation's generosity allows any child to take a copy home.
